Kingdom Character: Growing in Wisdom

2019-03-10T17:41:06+00:00

Wisdom is something that most people want more of in their lives. We understand the importance of making wise decisions today in order to have a better future. But where does wisdom come from? And how do we get it? First, understand that God grants us the spirit of wisdom & revelation. In fact, Proverbs 9:10 says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. So if we want to grow in the characteristic of wisdom, we need to start by honoring and respecting God. Defining Wisdom Many people think that wisdom and understanding are the same things, [...]

Kingdom Character: Growing in Wisdom2019-03-10T17:41:06+00:00

Kingdom Character: Growing in Joy

2019-03-10T17:38:33+00:00

Joy is something that everyone wants, but most never find true, deep joy. Joy is not only a fruit of the Spirit; it’s also a spiritual power with a force behind it. It’s more than “happiness” (which is fleeting). The true joy of the Lord is sustaining; we find this to be true especially when our circumstances are not ideal, and we can still have joy. Joy in the Kingdom of God Romans 14:17 tells us, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Let’s break [...]

Kingdom Character: Growing in Joy2019-03-10T17:38:33+00:00

Kingdom Character: Growing in Peace

2019-03-10T17:37:58+00:00

If you turn on the television or radio or observe social media, much of what you’ll see is trouble, heartache, and fear. Peace is something that people desire to have down deep inside, but it’s not easy to achieve without God. Jesus knew that we would face trouble in this world when He said to His disciples: “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). We can count on His peace to sustain and comfort us during difficulties. [...]

Kingdom Character: Growing in Peace2019-03-10T17:37:58+00:00

Kingdom Character: Growing in Self-Control

2019-03-10T17:36:44+00:00

God wants us to mature in our character to become more like Christ, and self-control is an area that people can get the wrong idea about. When you hear the words, “self-control,” don’t hear, “You have to do it all on your own.” That’s not true. We can’t do everything by our own self-will. The key to self-control is having the will to submit and be surrendered to the Spirit of God. Self-Control in the Bible The Bible mentions self-control often and even shares stories of people who either had or lacked the characteristic. In Titus 1:6-9, being self-controlled and temperate [...]

Kingdom Character: Growing in Self-Control2019-03-10T17:36:44+00:00

Kingdom Character: Growing in Loyalty

2019-03-10T17:34:00+00:00

Our loyalty is something that companies are after on a daily basis. Just about every corporation has a customer loyalty program to try to entice us to remain loyal to their products or services. But loyalty didn’t originate in a boardroom or in the mind of man; God came up with the idea. In fact, loyalty is something that characterizes God, and we should strive to be more loyal in our own lives too. Loyalty Defined Loyalty and trustworthiness (or being worthy of trust) are closely intertwined. Integrity and faithfulness are similar concepts as well. They make us think of someone [...]

Kingdom Character: Growing in Loyalty2019-03-10T17:34:00+00:00

Kingdom Character: Growing in Patience

2019-03-14T17:03:33+00:00

When you have to stand in line, what is your attitude like? Be honest! If you’re like me, you probably struggle a bit with keeping a patient attitude. And the truth is, none of us ever chooses to stand in the longest line at the grocery store! Likewise, have you ever had someone tell you, “Don’t pray for patience because then the trial will come”? But we do want the characteristic of patience displayed in us because our Father is so patient with us. Let’s take a close look at how to cultivate more patience in our lives. Patience is Related [...]

Kingdom Character: Growing in Patience2019-03-14T17:03:33+00:00

Kingdom Character: Growing in Honesty (Part 2)

2019-03-14T17:03:59+00:00

In Kingdom Character: Growing in Honesty Part 1, we discussed the importance of living a life of authenticity – being true to who we really are and rejecting deception or falsehood. We also talked about how important it is, to be honest with others, even when it may not be what they want to hear. In Part 2 of Growing in Honesty, I’d like to discuss some practical ways, to be honest in tactful, kind, loving ways. Develop Relationship This is almost a no-brainer. The better you know someone, the more open they will be to your speaking truth to them. [...]

Kingdom Character: Growing in Honesty (Part 2)2019-03-14T17:03:59+00:00

Kingdom Character: Growing in Honesty

2019-03-14T17:04:33+00:00

Probably for most of us, honesty seems like a pretty easy topic. We don’t outright lie to people or tell lies, so honesty is one of those “been there – done that” subjects. But I think that God wants us to grow in character in the area of honesty and to challenge ourselves to really live blamelessly and above reproach. What does scripture say about honesty and lying? First of all, the Bible is clear that Satan is the “father of lies” (John 8:44), and Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). Not only is lying condemned [...]

Kingdom Character: Growing in Honesty2019-03-14T17:04:33+00:00

Kingdom Character: Growing in Compassion

2019-03-14T17:06:34+00:00

What comes to mind when you think of compassion? Maybe giving to the poor … helping someone in need … your heart being moved for someone else and their situation. Perhaps you think of the compassion that God showed in sending Jesus to reconcile us to Himself. Regardless, one thing is certain: God’s heart beats with compassion. Therefore, we need to also cultivate a character of compassion. God’s Compassion The Bible is full of references about the compassion and lovingkindness of God. “[God] crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion.” (Psalm 103:4) “Remember, O Lord, Your compassion and Your loving kindnesses, for [...]

Kingdom Character: Growing in Compassion2019-03-14T17:06:34+00:00
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